[MC]Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) TaMarsh Thompson (57-16) 17 Sep 2016

[sgtmack]

This is an AL mission and we are enhancing the ceremony with flags and bikes.

The presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders in partnership with the American Legion Post 300 has been requested for the LEO supported procession and "Thompson Key Presentation Ceremony" for CW4 TaMarsh Thompson.
On March 22, 2012 Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) TaMarsh Thompson sustained a severe traumatic brain injury when his helicopter crashed in Camp Mural, Afghanistan, while returning from a combat mission. Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) TaMarsh Thompson's aircraft began malfunctioning, and crashed causing the rear rotor blade spin off and struck Thompson’s head; causing severe traumatic brain injury among other permanent debilitating health issues. The crash occurred on CW4 Thompson’s fourth deployment to Afghanistan, ending his 18-year career of distinguished service with the U.S. Army.

Since the time TaMarsh returned stateside, his loving family, particularly his mother Janice Summerling and his sister Kareen Pointdexter, an active duty Army Soldier, have been by his side, motivating and encouraging him during his recovery. TaMarsh’s healing journey has been met with several setbacks, including blood clots that have rendered him to a feeding tube, and over time impaired his cognitive functions, and most sadly, his ability to communicate with family. He is currently waiting to undergo a series of cranial surgeries to relieve pressure in his brain. TaMarsh remains fully wheelchair dependent at this time.

The family is certain that if TaMarsh is equipped with his own specially adapted home, one suited to his non-ambulatory needs, that he could make better strides in his recovery than if he were to remain in a nursing care facility. When talking about what the gift of this new home from Homes for Our Troops means to TaMarsh and his family, Janice says she is reminded of the lyrics to a Bob Marley song: “Don’t worry about a thing…’cause every little thing gonna be alright.”
REQUEST OR: Brianne McNamara, HFOTUSA
STAGING: 0900 Hours, Saturday, September 17, 2016
Luna Middle School
200 N Grosenbacher Rd
San Antonio, TX 78253
https://goo.gl/maps/ow9UoedvMmL2
POC: American Legion RC
James Decker
BRIEFING: 0915 Hours
Luna Middle School
200 N Grosenbacher Rd
San Antonio, TX 78253
https://goo.gl/maps/ow9UoedvMmL2
KSU: 0955 Hours
DESTINATION: FLAG LINE
2115 Sage Run
San Antonio, Texas 78253
https://goo.gl/maps/ApKe6RD96312

RC: Tony Stokely
FC: TBA
WEATHER: Hi 91 / Lo 74, 10% chance of rain, mostly sunny, 68% Humidity

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.

2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for this patriot and their family. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
4. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the posted speed limit. Show our respect to ALL who are there, not just the one we are honoring.

Respectfully,

Mr. Jean "Dae Wi" Clark
Deputy State Captain
Patriot Guard, San Antonio, TX
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 210-452-2745
txjcpgr@gmail.com